But I think it will not be used as front line charging asset specially in Mechanise Infantry div. VIPER will be operated along with Armoured Regiments, so there are less chances for VIPER to come under heavy attack ....
hopfuly
@Signalian might comment better
VIPER Brings the IFV concept into PA where as PA has been familiar with the APC concept since decades. This means that there could be some changes in PA's doctrine which should start coming out of Nowshera , basically from this place:
https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/School-of-Armour-and-Mechanized-Warfare.php
The basic concept of mechanised Infantry is Infantry riding in APC or IFV keeping in pace with MBTs for armored assaults. Tracks of APC/IFV provide mobility in terrains where MBT can go.
Considering that VIPER has a 30 mm gun and 2 x ATGM's along with 7.62mm gun means the IFV can provide fire support against enemy personnel and other Armored vehicles.But this raises a few questions also:
1. 30 mm can be used against which targets since 12.7 mm has been replaced ? Pros and Cons of 30 mm over 12.7 mm.
2. ATGM capability means that M-901 ITOW and Maaz will be replaced in HAT's ? Future of Maaz after VIPER induction ?
3. HATs have ATGM and MG capability maximum firepower in the form of Maaz and 12.7mm M-113, will VIPER suit HATs? whats the future of HATs if MIB will get VIPER ?
4. IFV has proved less effective than MRAP in urban Ops, which means that an APC like M-113 is also not a good option for urban combat. How will PA use an IFV in Urban Combat considering that 30mm and ATGm are overkill and can cause un-necessary damage ?
5. Should an APC and IFV get amalgamated in one MIB ? 2 x APC Coy and 2 x IFV Coy ? One would have to look at ORBAT of US Army how M2 Bradley and M-113 are structured in Mechanised Infantry Battalion
6. Although VIPER as an IFV can fire at threats which M-113 as an APC cannot face; should VIPER be introduced in direct combat against enemy ? VIPER carries smoke dis-chargers also to dis engage or conceal in direct combat just like MBTs.
7. Loss of an APC or IFV means loss of Infantry transport capability for the MIB. Losing an IFV in combat is costlier than losing a 5 Ton truck that carries more infantry. How badly can the operational capability of an MIB get affected as it starts to lose its IFVs in direct combat ?
8. M-113 has 2-crew and can carry 11 troops. VIPER has 3-Crew and can carry 9 troops. How does that affect the deployment and operations of an MIB since two less troops will be dismounted for infantry operations on the ground for every IFV. Would more VIPERs be required in MIB when replacing APC?
9. Some IFVs have firing ports which can be used by Infantry to fire internally from IFV, should VIPER also employ firing ports ?
10. With the amount of fire power that VIPER has, should it be used as RECON vehicle for PA Armored formations , just like M-3 Bradley Cavalry vehicle?
VIPER has the ability to carry more sensors like IR, TV Camera etc where as M-113 or Talha are basic APCs. This makes VIPER costly to produce and requiring more maintenance than M-113. Any MBT round can destroy an IFV and APC. HEAT round could be primarily used, SABOT might pass through its sides or destroy the engine. No amount of armor can save IFV or APC from a direct hit of MBT. Caged armor is considered to save IFV or APC from RPG hits in urban combat. Against IED, chances of survival are very less.